Time for action on land rights; governments, civil society and community leaders come together in Dakar, Senegal

Lunes, 11th Mayo 2015

Dakar, Senegal (11 May 2015) - In order for land laws to serve those living on and from the land, decision makers need to hear the voices of the women, men and communities on how they want to use their land to build their future. From 12-16 May, 2015 in Dakar, 700 officials, community leaders, practitioners, development partners, activists, research centres and journalists from 80 countries will meet at the Global Land Forum to examine the status of land rights, share success stories, identify threats and push towards more effective action.

Organised by the International Land Coalition (ILC), and hosted by Coalition member CICODEV and the National Land Reform Commission of Senegal, the Forum will convene under the theme: Land Governance for Inclusive Development, Justice and Sustainability: Time for Action.

"An event like this gives an opportunity for governments to hear the voices of community members and those who work hand in hand with them, to start a dialogue and understand how their rights can be secured. That is why we are here; to learn from each other, what has been done well in other countries, how Senegal's plans for Land Reform are progressing, and to plan how we can work together better for greater impact", said Mike Taylor, Director of the International Land Coalition.

The week's events will kick off with the Africa Day to shine a spotlight on the continental land debate with extensive participation from the Government of Senegal and other African countries. Including an inaugural speech by the Prime Minister, His Excellency Mohammed Dionne, and the Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Papa Abdoulaye Seck.

The government of Senegal has initiated a land governance reform process to achieve its objectives on eradicating hunger and achieving food security. "Our goal is to bring all stakeholders around the same table, and it is our hope that the conclusions and lessons coming out of the Forum will serve to enrich not only the new land reform programme of Senegal but joint actions across all regions", said Amadou Kanouté, Executive Director of CICODEV.

"Senegal has a lot to show for, and learn from with the rest of the world as they prepare for an ambitious plan. They are taking very seriously the need to consult widely on such an important issue as how Senegal's land should be used for the benefit of all" said Taylor. "By providing an inclusive space for dialogue and cooperation, we want those who live on and from the land to be heard by decision makers as to how just, equitable and sustainable solutions can be put in place".

Finding the right solutions will be the Forum's focus: solutions on how to make land policies more inclusive, how to protect the rights of those who are being violated, and ways in which land can be used in a sustainable way. Internationally accepted standards and tools such as the Voluntary Guidelines for Land Tenure and the Framework for Guidelines on Land Policy in Africa will provide a solid basis for discussions and planning for joint actions.

Background

Working with over 150 members towards secure and equitable land rights , ILC is a global action network hosted by the United Nation's International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD),

Every two years, ILC organises the Global Land Forum to convene its members and other stakeholders on land to advance understanding of the complex and dynamic political, economic, environmental and societal linkages between land governance, food security, poverty and democracy. ILC’s ultimate objective is to support and mobilise its members and partners to influence land-related policy practice.